Himalayan Crossing Ride

Distance: ~20–50 km (airport transfer)
• Riding Hours: None
• Altitude: 231 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
Namaste and welcome to India! Your epic Himalayan Crossing Ride expedition begins in Delhi, the energetic heart of the country. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, our ground team will receive you and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel. After a long international journey, take time to rest and recover. In the evening, gather for a detailed expedition briefing where you’ll meet your ride captain and fellow riders. The session covers ride protocols, safety guidelines, terrain expectations, weather conditions, and essential packing tips – setting the foundation for a safe and successful adventure. The day concludes with a specially arranged welcome dinner featuring authentic North Indian flavours. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Activities & Highlights:
• Airport arrival with personalised welcome
• Comfortable hotel check-in in Delhi
• Comprehensive expedition briefing
• Meet your ride captain and riding crew
• Welcome dinner featuring North Indian cuisine

Distance: ~540 km
• Drive time (SUV): ~12–14 hrs including stops
• Altitude: 2,050 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your scenic journey toward the mountains. Travel in a comfortable, spacious SUV designed to handle long highway distances with ease. The route takes you across the fertile plains of Haryana and Punjab before gradually climbing into the lush foothills of Himachal Pradesh. As urban landscapes fade, winding mountain roads, river valleys, and pine forests take over – signalling the start of your Himalayan adventure. Regular stops are planned for meals, refreshments, and stretching breaks. The SUV ensures a relaxed transition day, allowing your body to adapt before the riding begins. Arrive in Manali by evening, the legendary gateway to the high Himalayas. Overnight stay in Manali.

Activities & Highlights:
• Morning hotel checkout in Delhi
• Comfortable long-distance SUV journey
• Drive through the Punjab plains and the Himachal foothills
• Scenic mountain views during ascent
• Planned meal and refreshment stops
• Evening arrival in Manali, the rider’s basecamp

Distance: ~20 km
• Riding Hours: ~2–3 hrs
• Altitude: 2,050 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
Wake up to crisp Himalayan air in Manali – the gateway to some of the most legendary motorcycle routes on the planet. After breakfast, meet the technical support team to allocate the bike. Each rider is assigned a well-maintained Royal Enfield Himalayan, followed by a detailed inspection, controls briefing, and test ride to ensure comfort and confidence. Later, ride locally to explore Old Manali – known for its relaxed vibe, riverside cafés, and mountain culture. Visit the historic Hidimba Devi Temple, set amid towering cedar forests. Use the afternoon to purchase any last-minute riding essentials. In the evening, regroup for dinner and a final ride briefing as anticipation builds for the real adventure beginning tomorrow. Overnight in Manali.

Activities & Highlights:
• Royal Enfield Himalayan handover
• Bike inspection, test rides & adjustments
• Local acclimatisation ride
• Explore Old Manali cafés & river trails
• Visit Hidimba Devi Temple
• Final gear check & ride briefing

Distance: ~100 km
• Riding Hours: ~4–5 hrs
• Altitude: 3,200 m

Passes: None on the Atal Tunnel route (~3,000 m); Rohtang La (3,978 m) when that route is ridden

Tour Details:

Engines roar to life as the expedition officially begins. Depart Manali and ride toward the Lahaul Valley, passing through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel (or over Rohtang La, 3,978 m) – emerging into a starkly different Himalayan world. The road opens into wide valleys, glacial rivers, and dramatic mountain walls.

Follow the Chandra River through Sissu, Tandi, and Keylong, enjoying smooth tarmac mixed with sweeping mountain curves. This day serves as a perfect introduction to Himalayan riding – challenging yet comfortable. Jispa, located at 3,200 metres, offers an ideal acclimatisation stop before deeper wilderness riding. Overnight in Jispa.

Activities & Highlights:
• Ride through the Atal Tunnel (~3,000 m) or over Rohtang La (3,978 m)
• First true Himalayan riding experience
• Scenic Chandra–Bhaga river valley ride
• Fuel stop at Tandi (last major fuel for days)
• Overnight stay in Jispa camps/guesthouse

Distance: ~145 km
• Riding Hours: ~7–10 hrs
• Altitude: 3,650 metres

Passes:
• Shinku La (5,091 m)

Tour Details:
Today is where the ride stops being comfortable and starts becoming legendary. You leave behind smooth roads and mobile networks as the mountains tighten their grip. The route to Padum is raw, demanding, and unforgiving – steep climbs, loose gravel, water crossings, and long stretches with absolutely nothing around you. The climb to Shinku La (5,091 m) pushes both rider and machine to the limit. Oxygen drops, the weather can turn without warning, and focus becomes everything. Crossing this pass is a mental victory as much as a physical one. On the descent, Zanskar opens up – vast, empty, and hauntingly beautiful. Reaching Padum feels earned, not given. Shinku La is a seasonal pass, normally rideable on motorbikes from about June to October, and early or late-season snow can close it at short notice. If it is closed or unsafe on the day, we will brief you on the alternative route in advance, and your guide confirms current conditions before departure.

Activities & Highlights:
• First true hardcore off-road day
• Climb to Shinku La (5,091 m)
• Rough terrain, water crossings, gravel & dirt
• Zero-traffic, pure mountain isolation
• Entry into the remote Zanskar Valley
• Sense of achievement on arrival in Padum

Distance: ~50 km
• Riding Hours: ~2–3 hrs
• Altitude: ~3,650 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
Padum, the administrative and cultural heart of Zanskar Valley, is a crucial stop for acclimatisation. After crossing high passes and rugged terrain, a pause here allows your body to recover and adjust to altitude before the long ride to Kargil. This day balances riding with cultural depth, ensuring you’re physically prepared for the long exit ride ahead.

Activities & Highlights:
• Visit Karsha Monastery (the largest in Zanskar)
• Explore ancient Sani Gompa
• Interact with locals
• Bike maintenance & checks
• Rest and altitude acclimatisation

Distance: ~235 km
• Riding Hours: ~8–10 hrs
• Altitude: 2,676 metres

Passes:
• Pensi La (4,400 m)

Tour Details:
Begin the ride out of remote Zanskar toward Kargil. Re-cross Pensi La (4,400 m) for a final view of the immense Drang Drung Glacier, then ride through the stunning Suru Valley with views of the Nun–Kun peaks (7,000 m+). The scenery shifts from Buddhist Zanskar to Muslim-majority Kargil, a former Silk Route trading post and site of the 1999 Kargil War. Overnight in Kargil.

Activities & Highlights:
• Early morning departure
• Re-cross Pensi La (4,400 m)
• Drang Drung Glacier views
• Ride through Suru Valley
• Nun–Kun peak photography
• Overnight in Kargil

Distance: ~80 km
• Riding Hours: ~3–4 hrs
• Altitude: ~2,800 metres

Passes: None

Tour Details:
After breakfast, begin riding from Kargil, following the Indus River toward Ladakh’s remote western frontier. The road threads through Sanjak and enters the pivotal Batalik sector, a region of significant strategic and historical value. Traffic diminishes as the route winds through narrow valleys and rocky peaks, offering unobstructed views of the Indus and nearby summits. Upon entering Dha and Hanu, riders reach Aryan Valley, renowned for its distinctive culture and traditions. Spend the rest of the day exploring villages, meeting the Brokpa community, and relaxing in a tranquil, secluded Himalayan landscape. Walk through Dha and Hanu villages, interact with locals, and experience traditional village life. Foreign riders travel this stretch on an Inner Line Permit that we arrange. If permit rules or road conditions change, we ride the alternative Kargil–Sanjak–Dha road or approach the valley via Khalsi, and brief you in advance. Foreign riders travel this stretch on an Inner Line Permit that we arrange. If permit rules or road conditions change, we ride the alternative Kargil–Sanjak–Dha road or approach the valley via Khalsi, and brief you in advance. Overnight in a homestay.

Activities & Highlights:
• Ride along the Indus River
• Pass through the Batalik sector
• Enter the culturally unique Aryan Valley
• Explore Dha & Hanu villages
• Cultural interaction & photography
• Traditional homestay experience

Distance: ~220 km
• Riding Hours: ~7–8 hrs
• Altitude: 3,500 metres

Passes: None (optional detour to Fotu La, 4,108 m)

Tour Details:
After an early departure from Aryan Valley, ride to Lamayuru through dramatic mountain scenery, then reach the iconic Moonland landscape. Visit Lamayuru Monastery, among Ladakh’s oldest and most photogenic, set against a surreal backdrop. Continue to Likir Monastery, perched atop the Indus Valley, offering panoramic views. The day’s final cultural stop is Alchi Monastery, famed for ancient Kashmiri-style murals and architectural uniqueness. From Alchi, follow the Indus River into Leh, marking your return to Ladakh’s capital after days in remote regions.

Activities & Highlights:
• Ride through Moonland terrain
• Optional detour to Fotu La (4,108 m)
• Visit Lamayuru Monastery
• Explore Likir & Alchi Monasteries
• Indus–Zanskar confluence stop
• Evening arrival in Leh

Distance: ~120 km
• Riding Hours: ~5–6 hrs
• Altitude: 3,150 m

Passes:
• Khardung La (5,359 m)

Tour Details:
Prepare for another iconic pass! Ascend Khardung La (5,359 m / 17,582 ft), once billed as the world's highest motorable road. The approach from Leh features thrilling switchbacks and panoramic vistas. Pause at the summit café for hot tea, photos with the famed sign, and the surreal sensation of being atop the world. Descend sharply into Nubra Valley, a high-altitude desert framed by snow-capped peaks. The landscape transforms from barren heights to dunes. Check in at your Hunder camp. Visit Diskit Monastery and the towering Maitreya Buddha before settling into your desert camp.

Activities & Highlights:
• Ascend Khardung La (5,359 m)
• Summit photos & celebration
• Dramatic descent into Nubra
• Visit Diskit Monastery
• Overnight camp in Hunder

Distance: ~170 km (round trip)
• Riding Hours: ~6–8 hrs
• Altitude: ~3,150 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
Today's ride takes you to Turtuk, the northernmost village accessible to civilians in India, sitting just 5 km from Pakistan's Line of Control. This Balti village was part of Pakistan until 1971 and retains strong cultural ties across the border. Ride through stunning landscapes along the Shyok River, passing through Bogdang, Tyakshi, and Chalunka. Explore Turtuk's apricot orchards, traditional Balti architecture, the Royal House museum, and beautiful waterfalls. Interact with locals who speak Balti, a different language from Ladakhi. Return to Diskit by evening – optional Bactrian camel ride at Hunder dunes. Overnight in Diskit.

Activities & Highlights:
• Scenic Shyok River ride
• Visit Turtuk village
• Balti culture interaction
• Orchard walks & waterfall visit
• Optional camel safari

Distance: ~180 km
• Riding Hours: ~6–7 hrs
• Altitude: 4,225 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
Prepare for an adventurous ride! Take the thrilling Shyok River route toward Pangong Lake. This is raw Himalayan riding – rocky trails, occasional water crossings, dramatic gorges, and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. Pass through tiny villages like Shyok, Durbuk, and Tangtse, where life moves at a slower pace. As you crest the final ridge, the first sight of Pangong Tso's brilliant blue waters will leave you speechless. This 134km lake extends into Tibet and is famous for its colour-changing waters. Set up lakeside camps, watch the sunset paint the waters in gold and pink, and prepare for a magical night by the lake. Set up lakeside camps and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

Activities & Highlights:
• Off-road Shyok route
• Water crossings & rugged terrain
• First view of Pangong Lake
• Lakeside camping
• Sunset & stargazing

Distance: ~165 km
• Riding Hours: ~6–8 hrs
• Altitude: 4,500 metres

Passes:
• Tsaga La (4,633 m)

Tour Details:
Wake to a magnificent sunrise over Pangong Lake. After breakfast, depart southeast across the remote Changthang plateau. The route takes the Chushul road and crosses Tsaga La (4,633 m) on the way. This is one of the most desolate yet beautiful routes – endless barren landscapes, rolling hills, and distant snow peaks. The region is home to the Changpa nomads who rear the prized Pashmina goats. Spot wildlife including kiangs (Tibetan wild ass), marmots, and, if lucky, the elusive Tibetan wolf. Arrive in tiny Hanle village (4,500 m), home to India's premier astronomical observatory. The clear, dark skies make it perfect for stargazing – Hanle, one of India’s most remote villages, is known for its astronomical observatory.

Activities & Highlights:
• Sunrise at Pangong
• Changthang plateau ride
• Wildlife spotting
• Hanle village exploration
• Stargazing session

Distance: ~180 km (round trip)
• Riding Hours: ~7–8 hrs
• Altitude: 4,500 m (max 5,798 m)

Passes:
• Umling La (5,798 m)

Tour Details:
THE PINNACLE OF THE EXPEDITION! Today, you ride to Umling La (5,798 m/19,022 ft), a Guinness-certified record (2021). This is extreme riding in its purest form. Start early, ride through Mars-like terrain with virtually no vegetation: battle extreme altitude, thin oxygen, unpredictable weather, and rough roads. The final approach to the pass is steep and technical. Upon reaching the summit, emotions overflow – sign the official register, receive your Umling La completion certificate, take photos with the milestone, and soak in the surreal feeling of standing on top of Umling La! Views extend toward the Indo-China border. Carefully descend back to Hanle. Tonight, you join an elite group of riders.

Activities & Highlights:
• Extreme altitude riding
• Umling La summit (5,798 m)
• Guinness-certified record (5,798 m, 2021)
• Summit photography
• Celebration dinner

Distance: ~155 km
• Riding Hours: ~5–6 hrs
• Altitude: 4,522 metres

Passes:
• Namshang La (~4,950 m)

Tour Details:
Still riding on the high of yesterday's achievement, we journey to Tso Moriri (4,522 m / 14,836 ft), known as the 'Mountain Lake'. Ride through the empty Changthang wilderness with its stark beauty. The road crosses Namshang La (~4,950 m) on the way. This area supports incredible biodiversity despite harsh conditions. The lake is a designated Ramsar Wetland Site, crucial to migratory birds such as bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, and Brahminy ducks. Visit the Korzok village and monastery perched on the shore, one of the highest permanent settlements. The monastery houses ancient artefacts and offers stunning views of the lake. Walk along the shore while Changpa nomads graze their herds nearby. You’ve earned this calm.

Activities & Highlights
• Ride to Tso Moriri
• Lakeside walks
• Birdwatching
• High-altitude camping

Distance: ~220 km
• Riding Hours: ~8–9 hrs
• Altitude: 3,500 metres

Passes: None (Indus valley route via Sumdo, Mahe, Chumathang & Upshi)

Tour Details:
The last official riding day of your 17-day expedition. Savour every moment as you ride from Tso Moriri back to Leh. Follow the Indus via Sumdo and Mahe. Stop at Chumathang's natural hot sulphur springs for a therapeutic soak (bring swimwear!) – perfect for tired muscles after weeks of high-altitude riding. Continue alongside the powerful Indus River, passing through Mahe, Upshi, and Karu. Watch the landscape slowly transition from barren wilderness back to the inhabited Indus valley. Arrive in Leh by evening. Bike return, inspection, and celebration! Leh welcomes you back — changed.

Activities & Highlights
• Indus valley ride via Sumdo & Mahe
• Chumathang hot springs
• Final mountain ride
• Bike return & celebration

Distance: ~5 km
• Riding Hours: None (airport transfer)
• Altitude: 3,500 metres

Passes: No

Tour Details:
After an unforgettable 17-day Himalayan Crossing Ride journey, it's time to say goodbye to magical Ladakh. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and complete bike handover formalities. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for last-minute shopping in Leh Bazaar or a final visit to a monastery. Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your flight out. As your plane takes off over the mighty Himalayas, reflect on the incredible journey: the remote Zanskar Valley, ancient monasteries, Umling La, two stunning high-altitude lakes, the unique Aryan Valley, and the countless memories made with new friends. Until next time, Julley! (Ladakhi farewell). This wasn’t a holiday,This was an expedition.

Activities & Highlights
• Farewell breakfast
• Airport transfer
• Brotherhood for life
• “Julley — until we ride again”